On the surface, All of Us Strangers is a dark and twisty love story. Underneath, there is the often-present storyline seen in queer cinema: that of trauma and tragedy.
A silent German film from 1918 was one of cinema’s first dramatic presentations of queer love. Over a century later, and the story of love in a hostile social environment still resounds.
Cultural differences and stereotypes between the Englishman and American are at the heart of the film’s humour and play a significant role in the development of their relationship.
It wasn’t just the film Rafiki - a joyful lesbian love story - but also the experience of going to watch it after it was unbanned that created a new kind of freedom.
Susan Potter, University of Sydney and Clara Bradbury-Rance, King's College London
Portrait of a Lady on Fire plays with cinematic conventions and anticipation of lesbian sex on film. Director Céline Sciamma offers a sophisticated take that is both explicit and elusive.
Set in the army during apartheid, the South African film Moffie is a masterpiece. Oliver Hermanus, a black filmmaker, explores how toxic white masculinity breeds racism and homophobia.